Image provided by: Morrow County Museum; Heppner, OR
About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (June 13, 1963)
L I 3FARY U OF 0 EUGENE, or, Only Old-Timers Remember the Devastation in Heppner Sixty Years AgoJune k, 1903 t . ' - j, Morgan Appointed To School Board Morrow county's outg o 1 n g school board all but one direc tor of which will leave their positions by July 1 met in a "lame duck" session Monday night to act on routine business and found that it had a fairly busy session with a number of matters to be considered. Some were deferred to the new board those in cases where policy Is involved or decisions that might affect the future operation of the district. Milton Morgan was appointed by the board to serve as direc tor from the lone area. He had been recommended by the ad visory board there and petitions had been circulated for the ap pointment. Members of the ad visory board at the meeting said that nothing had transpired to change this position, and the action was taken in order that Morgan could take a place on the board as soon as he can take the oath of office. Realizing the difficulty that exists in the interim existing until the new board is elected, the directors sought to act on matters that need attention at once. They appointed Gordon Pratt as acting superintendent of the district to serve after Supt. Ro bert Van Houte leaves his post to act on administrative matters until the new board takes furth er action. This action will provide some one to whom applicants for teaching and administrative pos itions may apply in the ensuing few weeks. The board also instructed the clerk to notify the Oregon Edu cation association placem e n t bureau and the State Depart ment of Education of vacancies existing in order to invite appli cations. Contracts for three part time teachers were approved. Mrs. Nancy Leroux will teach English and math at Riverside on 70 time, Mrs. Gladys Hobbs will teach 5th grade at Houghton school on 50 time, and Mrs. Ted Talbott will teach girls physical education and teach girls' basketball and girls' vol leyball on 20 time. In order to protect $3000 that had been set aside for the Boardman school site that has Auto Parts Sets Grand Opening In New Location Grand opening of Heppner Auto Parts in its new location at 234 Main Street, next to Central Market, will be Satur day throughout the day, Mr. and Mrs. R. G. (Pete) McMurtry, owners, announce. The McMurtrys recently bought the building from Mrs. Jennie Gorfkle of Pendleton and moved their stock from the small building next to the Bank of Eastern Oregon where they have been In business since 1950. At the new location, they have approximately three times the amount of floor space, and new counters and shelving provide room to display merchandise that formerly could not be seen by customers. The move was made in fast time when the new quarters were ready with seven men from the National Automotive Parts Association, Portland, assisting with the job. In all, it took 260 man hours for the move, Mc Murtry said. At the grand opening, a con test will be open to all persons over 16 vears of age with three prizes offered. Those coming to the store will be invited to write down as many brand names as they can see on merchandise in stock. The one with the most will receive a $43.90 load leveler, combining an overload spring and shock absorber. Second will receive a $20.50 set of seat belts, and third will get $10 credit on New Britain tools. The con test will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. One feature of the new lo cation is customer parking in the rear, McMurtry said. The McMurtrys came to Hepp ner from the Willamette Valley in 1933, and he worked as a mechanic before entering the auto parts business. Associated with them in the store is Charles Starks, who, with Mrs. Starks, are owners of Northwestern Motel. been contracted, the board took $3000 from its general fund to apply towards an approved $50,000 payment to The Timber Company. Culmination of the site purchase is not expected be fore the end of the fiscal year, and this action makes it possible to have the $3000 available in the bond fund to pay for the site after the year's books are closed. Don Olmscheid, administrator at the Houghton school who has resigned to take a position in St. Helpns. urged the board to act on an application of Michael I Tollar as his successor at Hough 'ton in order that Tollar might attend summer school if the ap pointment were made, since school is starting before the new board will meet. The "lame duck" board deferred action to the new board, however, with members stating that it would be improper for them to make the appointment without the ap proval of the incoming board. Tollar has the unanimous recom mendation of the Irrigon advis ory board. Administrator Gene Ha r r y man's request for financial re lief for the lone High school student body was also deferred to the new board. He pointed out that $700 is needed to care for a deficit incurred in getting a new textbook program under way, one which the board had previously approved. Under the plan the' student body buys the books and rents them to the students. The heavy cost of the book purchase is not liquidated until rentals have had sufficient time to underwrite the cost, he explained. Directors said that this would be a matter of con the incoming I hnnrH Election boards for the June 22 elections were appointed by the board. Olmscheid, Biehl, Reisch, O'Rourke Resign Positions Resignations of teachers and administrators cut rather deeply into the Morrow county school system this week. They were an nounced and accepted at the meeting of the outgoing board of directors Monday night. Don Olmscheid, administrator at A. C. Houghton school, Irri gon, for the past four years, re signed to accept a position as elementary superintendent at St. Helens. Director Harvey Warner moved that the resignation be accepted, but said that he did so with deep regret. Darrel Reisch, director of spec ial services for the past year and administrator at lone High school for the year prior to that, resigned his position to become high school principal at Home dale, Idaho. He and his family moved Thursday (today) for the new position. Glenn Biehl, coach at lone High school for the past two years whose football team went to the state B finals in the fall of 1961, resigned to coach basket ball and teach at La Grande High school. He is attending Wil lamette University this summer on a fellowship. Mrs. Violet Lanham, Heppner High school teacher, asked for a leave of absence for the 1963-64 school year in order to take a tour of Europe. The leave was approved, subject to having a vacancy existing upon her re turn. Members of the board had good words of commendation for her work in the school here. Lawrence O'Rourke, Heppner High school Spanish teacher and English teacher, resigned in or der to continue his studies. Resignation of Mahoney and Abrams as attorneys for the school district was accepted. It had been awaiting board action since May 31. The resignation of Supt. Van Houte, which had been tendered several weeks ago, was formally accepted. It is effective July 1, but he will be on vacation after June 15. Van Houte expressed apprec iation for the cooperation and support that he has received from many and for the cooper ation received from the board. The directors who had resign ed previously, D. O. Nelson, Mrs. Esther Anderson, Bob Sicard and Dick Wilkinson, went through the formalitity of presenting their resignations again to make sure that the action was official. Red Cross Schedules Belated Fund Drive Here 80th Year Heppner, Oregon, Thursday, June 13, 1963 D. C. Trip Spurs Hope For Willow Project Meetings with the Bureau of the Budget, with Oregon's Con gressional delegation, and an appearance before the Rivers and Harbors Congress highlight ed the attendance of County Judge Oscar Peterson and Oliver Creswick, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce develop ment committee, in Washington, D. C, last week. The two went to Washington in the interests of the Willow Creek dam primarily and also in reference to the Columbia River waterfront for the Port of Mor row and for the improvement of the Lexington airport. They found that they had a busy schedule during the five week days. They spent some time with the deputy director of the Bureau of the Budget, and Judge Peterson spoke on the Wil low Creek project. "He was very receptive," the judge said. They met with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, met the chief of the corps, General Wil son, but made a presentation to General Graham of the Corps on the proposed dam and the river waterfront. The Morrow delegates read a statement at the Rivers and Har bors Congress, and it was sup ported also by a statement from Congressman Al Ullman. This was one of many projects pre sented to the Congress and was in the category of those which had not yet been submitted for official approval. Peterson and Creswick visited at Ullman's office several times and had luncheon with him, his wife and son. Senator Wayne Morse had a breakfast at which they appeared, and they also met with Congressmen Bob Dun can, Walter Norblad, Edith Green and the office of Senator Maurine Neuberger. "Duncan was not very hope ful on the Boardman situation," the judge said. Another appearance was at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration on June 6 where the judge presented the program underway on the Board man site. The two learned many things on the trip. They were advised to have facts compiled for later presentations on projects sought. The Congressional delegation Father's Day June 16 Stores to Honor Father Saturday Father is king this week-end with Father's Day coming Sun day, June 16. In his honor, mer chants of Heppner are having a Father's Day promotion Satur day. Those shopping for gifts for father will be given special con sideration, Randall Peter son, chairman of the merchants com mittee, states. A number of stores are offer ing special bargains for the the -mm1 GAZETTE-TIMES stressed the importance of con tinuing efforts to bring the pro spects to successful conclusions and urged that some local rep resentatives be on hand to tes tify at later meetings. "If we are persistent in our efforts to see that the Willow Creek project is not stalemated in someone's basket, we stand a very good chance to be includ ed in the omnibus bill next year and should also be included in the appropriations bill," Cres wick said. He said that no where did anyone bring any objections to the project. "It was an education to have a close look at the workings of the government," Creswick said. Wranglers Plan Overnight Ride At the last regular meeting of the Wrangler Riding club, plans were made for the over night ride to Camas Prairie on June 29-30, with Mr. and Mrs. Harold Evans as hosts. Four-H horse clubs are invited to par ticipate, and those planning to go must have the $3.00 fee paid for meals to Mrs. Archie Munkers by June 20, and to let her know if transportation is needed. During the business meeting, presided over by Everett St ruck -meier, Fred Mankin was asked to be in charge of siding the club barn on two sides. Entertainment was provided by Glen Ward who showed a colored film on the "Autumn Birds of Oregon." Penney's to Open Friday Evenings J. C. Penney store in Heppner will be open on Friday even ings until 9 p.m. beginning Fri day, June 14, Mike Whitesmith, manager, announces. The Friday evening schedule will remain in effect continuously from now on. It was reported that some other stores in Heppner were also planning to be open on Friday evenings, including Case Furn iture store. week-end some of which are listed in Father's Day adver tisements on page 4 of this sec tion. Other special events in the community which may be of in terest to dads Saturday are the Little League doubleheader at the league field near the fair pavilion, and the E ks' barbecue and dance, for members and out of town guests, Saturday evening. HEPPNER x- vmrr schools u v i K. BUS FOR 4-H summer school left V Morrow county bound for a week oi college life on the Oregoni State University campus. Driver Leonard Munkers (left) and County Agent Joe Hay (right) escorted the delegates. Absentee Ballots Ready for Elections Those , who will not be in the county on Saturday, June 22, and are otherwise eligible to vote in the Morrow county district school elections may apply now for absentee bal lots from the office of Beverly Gunderson, clerk, in the court house. Two elections will be held at the same time, from 2 to 8 p.m., on the Saturday. One will be on the revised school district budget, and the other will be a special election for directors to replace those who have resigned. lone Event Nets $1500 for Church; To Be Held Again Auction and barbecue sponsor ed by the lone Community church at lone Saturday proved to be a success beyond the spon sors' expectations with some $1500 netted for the church. The money will erase a deficit in the church budget at the end of the fiscal year and will pro vide new Sunday School tables and equipment that have been needed, Mrs. Bob Jepsen said. Reports were presented by workers Wednesday night and it was found that receipts were $1952, of which not more than $450 will go towards expenses. The goods for the community auction were donated, and most of the food for the barbecue was also given to the cause. Sizeable crowds were on hand throughout the day, and mer chandise offered for sale brought generally good prices with Don Wink as the auctioneer. Some 250 persons enjoyed the barbe cue dinner at noon with pit cooked meat prepared by Chefs Jack Loyd, Garry Tullis and Fred Nelson. A popular attraction was the stage coach ride with Buck Lieu- alien of Pendleton driving the authentic stage coach, using his well-known team of palominos. Children were waiting at the start of the rides and at the end of the day, some had to be turn ed away. In view of the success of the event, the church decided to stage it again next year. Bob Jepsen was general chair man of the planning committee, and in all some 50 persons had active parts in the work. WEATHER By Leonard Gilliam Weather report for the past week is as follows: Hi Low Prec. Thursday 72 43 Friday 73 44 Saturday 74 54 Sunday f3 47 Monday 75 50 Tuesday 85 51 Wednesday 85 53 On the 60th anniversary of the Heppner flood of June 14, 1903, the number of eyewitnesses of the disaster has dwindled, but there are still quite a few old timers who recall details of the flood as if it had happened yes terday. The story has been told and retold, but the documentary ac counts remain more incredulous than fiction. At the left is one of the well known photos which shows the devastation that was Heppner after the great flood. The white building at the left with the steeple is the Methodist church which still stands on the same location. Poplar trees at right mark the approximate location of the channel of Willow Creek. Number 15 10 Cents v j-L I ... itlh ,. ,,.1 ; ... Monday with 31 delegates flora Many Sponsors Assist Sending 31 4-H Delegates Thirty-one fortunate 4-H dele gates left June 10 for Corvallis for a week of college life on the Oregon State University campus. They are attending the annual 4-H summer school this week, according to Joe Hay, county extension agent. Classes, assemblies, sports and parties are all a part of the pro gram. Four-H members will be living in dormitories on the campus this year. Mrs. Max Jones, irrigon, and Leonard Munkers, bus driver, Lexington, will act as chaperones for the delegation. Munkers will also drive one of the shuttle buses on campus during the day. A number of business places, organizations and individuals have contributed $750 to send these 4-H members to summer school. Nonda Clark, Heppner, was the winner of a state schol arship sponsored by Safeway stores. Here is a list of the friendly sponsors: From Heppner Central Mar ket, Bank of Eastern Oregon, P. W. Mahoney, First National Bank, B.P.O.E., B. J. Doherty,, J. C. Penney, Tryco Equipment Co., Elma's Apparel, Soroptimist, Pine City Extension Unit, Wil son's Men's Wear, Humphreys Rexall Drug, Turner, Van Marter and Bryant, Rhea Creek Grange and Heppner Auto Sales. From lone Willows Grange, lone PTA, Jordan Elevator, Paul Pettyjohn and Charles O'Connor. From Lexington Pomona Grange, Lexington Oil Coop, Peck's Grocery, Lexington Grange, Alfred Nelson, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. William Doherty and Morrow County Grain Growers. From Irrigon Irrigon Grange. From Boardman Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Allen, North Morrow Council, Boardman Soil Conser vation District and Nathan Thorpe. From out of county Safeway Stores, Portland, Umatilla Elec tric Co-op, Stewart's Market, Pendleton Grain Growers and U. S. National Bank. The Morrow county delegation will return on Saturday. They will arrive in Heppner about 4:00 p.m. Kids Cautioned On Sidewalk Riding Chief of Police Dean Gilman this week issued a word of caut ion to children in regard to children riding bicycles on down town streets. He asked parents to cooperate by telling their youngsters to observe the ord inance that prohibits riding bi cycles on the main sidewalks. There is danger of an accident that could mean serious injury, for instance, to an elderly pedes trian. If the matter is not resolved with this warning, the chief said that it may be necessary to take further action. The picture was taken looking north. Two stories on the flood con tributed by Arthur Raymond Crawford, now of San Jose, Calif., and O. M. Yeager, now of Castle Rock, Wn., are printed on page six of this paper. Both lived here at the time of the flood. Mr. Yeager is now compiling a Morrow county history which he hopes to have published soon. He also sent a list of those who died in the flood, except for those who remained uniden tified, but since it has been pub lished often before, it was not included in this edition. Any who would be interested in see ing It are invited to come to the Gazette-Times office. Blood Program In Jeopardy; Goal is $1500 A Morrow County Red Cross drive three months later than the usual date will be conduc ted from June 17 through 27, it Is announced by the Rev. Charles Knox who has been appointed by the county Red Cross organ ization to act as campaign chairman. It Is expected that a door-to-door canvass will be conducted for the campaign which has $1500 as its goal. At the time of tne regular campaign month of March, no one could be found to head the drive here. One appeal for vol untary donations was made through the paper and $109 was collected as a result, together with $99 that was received from Boardman and Irrigon. Without funds to defray ex penses for the local blood pro gram, the county is virtually certain of losing its blood pro gram, and Red Cross blood would no longer be available through Pioneer Memorial hos pital, Mrs. Carl Troedson, who has been active in the county's Red Cross program said. "Many hours of work have already been given by a few people," the Rev. Knox said. "Many more have signified a willingness to combine their ef forts with this small group and help. ."Morrow county and you can not aford to be without the benefits of the Red Cross," he continued. "Have you stood in the. hospital corridors and heard the doctor say, 'We have to give blood now.' Then the labora tory technician replies, 'But we are out of blood.' The family anxiously asks, 'Where can we get it? We will drive for it.' Pendleton Is only 70 miles away, but when a life is at stake, that is eternity! Yet this eternity is possible, due to the American Red Cross blood bank, and the facilities for processing blood." The Red Cross also supports the summer Red Cross swim ming lessons, which are avail able for any young person or adult. Every year the local Red Cross swimming instructors re ceive advanced training to help with life saving Instruction. Of the funds given locally, al most half stavs at home to help with the programs here. Should a disaster come to the area or. any type, the national organi zation would assist without using local funds. "During the campaign, give and give generously, as this gift may be the gift of life for some one you love dearly," the Rev. Knox said. "Welcome your Red Cross solicitor, and give just as generously as you can." Cow Elk Shot; Unborn Calf Dies Dick Graham, Kinzua Corp oration forester, Friday discov ered a dead cow elk between Thorne and Rutabaga Creeks. It had been shot and an unborn calf had been removed and was left beside the mother. Apparently the wanton hunter had started to butcher the elk but did not complete the job and left the animals on the spot. The matter was turned over to Jim Gordon, state policeman for Investigation, while some local sportsman suggested that person responsible should be nominated for the "meanest man" title. 13-Year-Old Girls Take Plane Trip A big thrill in their young lives came to Pamela McCabe, 13, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ernie McCabe of Heppner and Jenny Smith, also 13, daugh ter of Mr. and Mrs. Orville Smith of Seattle, Wn., Monday. The girls boarded an air plane in Pendleton on that day to take a trip by them selves to Seattle. Jenny has been staying in Heppner with Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln Nash. They expect to spend about a month at the Smith's sum mer home on Orcas Island. Mr. and Mrs. Smith and family are former Heppner residents. The McCabes took them to the air port in Pendleton.
